SEATTLE: Belgium staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 following an enthralling knockout clash on Wednesday.
Senegal dominated much of the contest and took the lead in the 25th minute. Habib Diarra reacted quickest after Ismaila Sarr’s header struck the post, tapping home to give the Lions of Teranga a deserved advantage.
The African side doubled its lead six minutes into the second half. Sarr, who created the opening goal, finished powerfully past Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to put Senegal firmly in control.
Belgium responded late in the match as substitute Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute, reviving his team’s hopes of a comeback.
Three minutes later, captain Youri Tielemans scored the equaliser to force extra time after Belgium completed an impressive late fightback.
Both teams searched for a decisive goal during extra time, and the match appeared destined for a penalty shootout.
However, deep into stoppage time of extra time, Tielemans won a penalty after a foul inside the box. He converted the spot-kick in the 125th minute to complete Belgium’s remarkable comeback and secure a 3-2 victory.
The defeat brought Senegal’s World Cup campaign to an end, while Belgium progressed to the Round of 16. Belgium will face the winner of the United States versus Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 6 in Seattle, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
